Authorities: "Our country is in the early stage of 'Delta variant' influx... Strict control of epidemic countries" (Update)

"Countries Mainly Receiving Delta Variant Designated as Enhanced Quarantine Zones"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The government has announced its intention to more strictly manage the quarantine exemption system for countries where the Delta variant virus is prevalent and to consider adjusting the scale of incoming travelers.

On the 24th, Jeong Eun-kyung, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), said at the regular COVID-19 briefing, ""As the Delta variant is rapidly spreading worldwide, it is necessary for South Korea to strengthen measures to block overseas inflow and prevent domestic spread," adding, "So far, 190 cases of the Delta variant have been confirmed in South Korea, which can be seen as the initial stage of inflow." As of the 22nd, there have been 190 confirmed domestic cases of the Delta variant, and when adding 66 epidemiologically related cases, it is estimated that a total of 256 people have been infected with the Delta variant.

With the Delta virus rapidly spreading worldwide recently, health authorities are on high alert. In particular, India has reported not only the Delta variant but also the 'Delta Plus variant.' The Delta Plus variant is a form of the Delta variant with an additional mutation called 'K417N.' Commissioner Jeong stated, "It has a higher infectivity and the potential to evade antibodies, so it requires closer monitoring." However, she added, "Globally, it has been reported in about 11 countries, and so far, no Delta Plus variant has been confirmed in South Korea," explaining, "It is necessary to monitor how this virus affects transmissibility, severity, and the efficacy of antibody treatments and vaccines."

Commissioner Jeong said, "Currently, to block overseas inflow, countries where the Delta variant is mainly spreading will be designated as enhanced quarantine countries, and the management of quarantine and exemption issues will be tightened."

Currently, South Korea requires all incoming travelers to submit a negative PCR test certificate before entry and enforces self-quarantine and PCR testing. However, the quarantine exemption system is also in place for those with important business purposes or public interest or humanitarian reasons. Starting in July, the quarantine exemption system will be expanded to apply to fully vaccinated individuals visiting immediate family members domestically.

Unlike countries where the South African and Brazilian variant viruses are prevalent, which are excluded from the quarantine exemption system, travelers from countries where the Delta variant is prevalent, such as the United Kingdom and India, can use the quarantine exemption system. Regarding this, Commissioner Jeong explained, "In the case of the South African or Brazilian variants, vaccine evasion or antibody treatment evasion is very clear, so stricter management is being conducted," adding, "All incoming travelers are subject to the same requirements of a negative test certificate and self-quarantine, and quarantine exemptions are only applied to those with valid reasons."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.